Governance for online communities

A simple, flexible framework that helps online communities create shared rules, elect representative moderators, and ensure stability when founders leave or disagreements arise.

Create your ModGov contract

The problem with moderator governance

Online communities rely heavily on volunteer moderators, but most platforms give them very few tools to govern themselves. When founders disappear, act unilaterally, or disagree internally, communities often have no clear rules for decision-making, continuity, or accountability.

A governance framework that works

The Moderator Governance Contract is a legally-informed agreement that establishes clear rules for how your community is run. It brings transparency and fairness to community governance, without needing platform support or formal incorporation.

What the contract provides

Elected leadership

Establish a Moderator Governance Committee with defined terms, clear election procedures, and removal processes.

Collective decisions

Define voting thresholds for ordinary decisions and structural changes, with quorum requirements.

Accountability

Set implementation deadlines and define what happens when decisions aren't carried out.

Dispute resolution

Built-in arbitration procedures for when internal enforcement isn't enough.

Succession planning

Clear procedures for when founders leave or become inactive, ensuring community continuity.

Transparency

Public access to the contract and voting records, building trust with your community.

Customized to your community

Every community is different. The contract includes sensible defaults but lets you customize key variables: committee size, term lengths, voting thresholds, implementation periods, and more. Generate a contract tailored to your needs.

Create your ModGov contract